Auckland's Pasifika event attracts people from far-afield

Organizers are gearing up for this weekend's Pasifika Festival in Auckland, the biggest celebration of Pacific Island culture and heritage in the world.

The Festival producer Stan Wolfgramm, says the 22nd edition of the renowned event is proving as popular as ever.

There will be 11 villages this year, with the addition of a Hawaiian stage for the first time.

Mr Wolfgramm says with more than 1000 performers and 250 food and craft stalls, it's a huge event that attracts people from far-afield.

"It is an opportunity for lots of people to come from the Pacific, to either participate or be with family, there's a lot of co-ordination between what goes on in the Pacific and what's happening around the Pasifika festival. Also it's become a bit of an icon for travellers that'll come down from around the world so they try and co-ordinate their visit so they can be a part of the festival."